If you have natural hair and are considering straightening them, here is

what you need to know before getting a relaxer.  Managing natural curly hair requires work.  I have had to correct people who say “it’s just hair, how hard can it be?    That’s you.  Other people have thicker, curlier, coarser hair and no hand skills so please limit your judgement!

Straight hair has its advantages.  You can whip it into a ponytail and be out the door in five minutes. 

Curly hair can afford you the same advantage if it decides to cooperate that day.  Otherwise, gel, mousse and ironing can run you about two to three hours before your workday.

So if you are considering straightening your hair. here is what you need to know before getting a relaxer:

• A budget is essential because you need to have the regrowth done every six to eight weeks.  
• Treatments every week or two.
• Hair trims every time you get the relaxer redone.
• The hair structure changes despite doing all the treatments and trims.  

• There is a huge difference between natural hair care and relaxed hair care.  While you can delay regular treatments for your natural hair and it stays on your head, it is not so for relaxed hair.   
• Natural hair survives heat far better than relaxed hair.  It can lose some curl but can return if you are not straightening it too often.  Relaxed hair usually has to be cut.
• The point where natural and relaxed hair meets is easily broken.  If you are unable to redo the roots of previously relaxed hair, wash and straighten it weekly after a treatment.
• Recently, studies have confirmed that relaxers are harmful to your health.   If you have any health issues, you should do a deep dive of its ingredients to know what can happen if you go this route.

While we understand the reason you want to straighten your hair, we advise researching products that are more moisturizing for your hair type to make your hair care better as your health may depend on it.  

By Paula Barker, Silkie Locks Hair Design

Books:  “Talking Hair”, “Filling My Head” & “Dreadlocks – A Hairstylist’s Manifest.